One of such names is a Yoruba surname Falade, which means god of divination has intermingled with royalty. They are passionate about turning your everyday moments into memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have fun with your family. The main difference is that African parents will not just put a label on their progeny without finding out what the label is saying about their hopes and aspirations, beliefs and culture and life experiences. It also means once or one time in the Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and Zulu. Dive into this post for some amazing and interesting African surnames. 62. And a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are equivalent compounds of the divines name and some desirable relationship. It is suitable for boys. Some Ethiopian names are regional family names, while others are found throughout the country and regions of Africa and the Middle East. 51. This only shows that the meaning of the name has a lot of significance. African names have always been associated with personal identity and personality structure expressed in the hopes and aspirations of the parents and passed on to the individual child. It took me most of my life to come to this understanding about my name. I find it quite silly in retrospect that almost all Kenyans have a Christian name which is quite English. Ethiopians and Eritreans in the diaspora who have to legally adopt Western naming conventions usually convert their father's or grandfather's given name into an official last name or surname, with the ones who choose their grandfather's name additionally repurposing their father's name as an official middle name.[4][3]. FamilyEducation does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Negasi, this name means he will wear a crown. This is a name used by Ethiopias royal family in the seventeenth century. Known People. For instance in Togo, apart from their original meanings, those names also have other interesting meanings. Afia (Akan origin) meaning "born on a Friday," commonly found in Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Are you familiar with Abel who was murdered by his own brother? They are rich in culture and have versatile meanings and pronunciations. Just like other cultures in the region, Ethiopian naming conventions follow particular customs. The name Abebe is synonymous with blooming and is known among children as some play poems use the name. I am trying to find out if the sir name(last name) can indicate what part of Africa a person is from. 31. 54. It is typically a male name. It is usually given to boys. It means a good runner. Therefore, it is sometimes hard to identify every name in the country. Djimon, the name means powerful blood and it is shared by the Oscar nominated actor, Djimon Hounsou. Kagiso (Tswana origin) means peace. Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means spirit. SaveIllustration: Momjunction Design Team. This name is mostly given to sons by the hopeful family. Solomon, the name means one who is peaceful. This is the name of the Israelite King who built the first Temple of Jerusalem. If you liked our suggestions for Ethiopian last names, then why not take a look at something different like Moroccan last names or Muslim last names. Of Yoruba origin, the name means the crown is good. Mokrani (Berber origin) refers to a town in Algeria. 35. Traditionally for Ethiopians and Eritreans the lineage is traced paternally; legislation has been passed in Eritrea that allows for this to be done on the maternal side as well. Positive conations associated with the name are ready, willing, competent and capable. Hebrew or Arabic names are also commonly used. Jemila or Jamila is translated as pretty or beautiful, and its easy to pronounce and remember. They use their fathers first name as their last name. Astatke, last name of Mulatu Astatke, father of Ethio-jazz. The Ethiopian last name tradition also varies from one community to the other. But 32 years later the late Laurent Kabila kicked Mobutu out, and re-baptised the country the Democratic Republic of Congo. My African name reflects my personality I hate fights and arguments ; I am a peaceful person. 77. Some names are derived from East Africa and European countries like Turkey and Greece. The regional Ethiopian names from tribes like Oromo or the Amharic are among the most common names. Throughout history, pagan, Christian, and Muslim religions have been embraced throughout its long history. Jemila is an Arab origin, and its influence is not limited to Ethiopia. 3-Make sure not to take your childs freedom away. Subscribe for virtual tools, STEM-inspired play, For example "Gebre-Egziabher" in the Ethiopian/Eritrean languages of Amharic/Tigrinya means "Servant of God" and those are Christian names. It has its origin in the Tiv language, and means fathers love. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. 61. Ethiopians also have names derived from the Amharic language, an official language of Ethiopia. Its female variant is Owusua. What are cute last names? This surname shows the devout nature of the people towards religion and belief in God. Ebo, the name means born on Tuesday., 44. 150 Unique and Most Common African Last Names (Surnames), African Culture 16 most interesting traditions, 10 trending Kaftan outfit ideas for grooms-to-be, Richest Person In Kenya And Top 10 Wealthy Kenyans, Turkey is to completely erase all Somalias debts to the IMF, 5 highest paid African football players in 2020, 10 of Africas most amazing Tourist places you must visit, The 10 Best Africans In The English Premier League, 16 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Africa For The Holidays. The name Abebe means Blossomed; grown or the direct translation is Shoot Forth. Alioune (Senegalis origin) meaning "sublime" or "lofty". Find out some great southern African names with this list. Bekele, this popular name has a frequency of 1:153 and means one who is growing., 15. Madhurima has completed her Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Naming conventions in Eritrea and Ethiopia, "Naming conventions in Eritrea and Ethiopia", Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Naming_conventions_in_Eritrea_and_Ethiopia&oldid=1134018835, Articles needing additional references from October 2013, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 16 January 2023, at 16:36. 26. 1. 86. Bongani (South African origin) means thankful or grateful in Zulu. A name gives meaning and significance to each individual. 24. 16. However, naming in Ethiopia is different from in some countries. 2- Make sure the name in English doesnt mean anything controversial. Achebe (Nigerian origin) meaning "the goddess protects," from the Igbo people of Nigeria. 7. Mideksa, meaning independent, the surname of the Chairperson of Ethiopias National Election Board, Birtukan Mideksa. 72. However, individuals usually use their fathers first name for official documents such as passports. 4. Popular Ethiopian Boy Names Here are 100 of the current most popular Ethiopian names for boys along with their meanings: Aaron: Hebrew, high mountain Abal: Amharic, serves the king Abathun: Amharic, father Abay: Amharic, big Abdi: Oromo, hope Abel: Hebrew, breath Abera: Ethiopian, light (commonly used as a surname) Selassie, meaning trinity, name of the Ethiopian Emperor between 1930 and 1974, Haile Selassie. Axton: From a stone town. Abuchi, USA, I have a western surname, presumably that of the slavemaster of my forebears. Married women in Ethiopia arent required to change their names either, as the second name is not a family last name. (we dont provide examples here but you will know when you get them). 43. The first to have a child (a son) is their daughter, Yordanos Senai; she and her husband name the boy Ammanuel. On passport, Ethiopians use three names, first name, middle name, and last name. It is a common unisex name. This name is also masculine in essence. Hi, I am writing a novel and the main character (a girl) is from Sudan. Ali, meaning elevated, the first name of the cousin of the prophet of Islam, this is also a common surname in Ehtiopia. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Abenezer - means stone of help. 70. Having its roots in Yoruba, the name means my wealth is moving forward or my wealth is the future, and it is mostly given to boys. Information on our advertising guidelines can be found. Gebreyes (Ethiopian origin) means servant of. [2] Outside Ethiopia, this is often mistaken for a surname or middle name but unlike European names, different generations do not have the same second or third names.[3]. The name of the Amhara people and a beautiful girls' name too. Whilst this is a list of last names, many of the last names on this list have also been used as first names too. Amadi, meaning tree man, a variation of Ahmed. Used both as a last name and a given name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity. Your use of the site indicates your agreement to be bound by our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. It is suitable for both boys and girls. 68. In abreviation ABUCHI for my Western folks, short and simple isnt it. Cano - This last name was derived from a nickname that means "white-haired.". The name that your child bears tell the kind of parent you are and can play a huge role in their character trait. Abel is usually linked with his brother who killed him, as Cain and Abel. Her love for content creation made her pivot her career from science to writing. Ethiopia is a country in the horn of Africa, with ancient cultures. It is a Malian surname, which means blessing. Here are some of the cute and unique last names which can be used with any first name as per appropriate meanings. This isnt the case for Ethiopian surnames though. Yafet - Handsome boy. This last name originates from the Igbo group. Generally given to boys, it has its origin in the Amharic language, and means trinity. Chisomo (Malawi origin) means grace. 25. Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported. I am a product of religious parents and culture; hence I shall carry this name, however unfitting it seems, to the grave. Ethiopian Baby Names For Girls 1. 76. It is a favored name for boys among people of Yoruba lineage. Banchiamalck Dessalegn, Ethiopian in U.S. My name Derefaka figuratively means: Continuing the heritage of our fathers. For example if you were born on a Monday and named Kojo or Kodjo for a boy or Adjo for a girl, you would be taken as a zealous man or woman because Monday is the first day of work after the weekend, and if you were born on a Wednesday and named Kokou for a boy or Akwa for a girl, you were taken as a half-lazy person because people usually work or go to school for just the first half of the day -from 7 to 12- and use the other half as leisure time, and if you were born on a Sunday and named Kossi for a boy or Kossiwa for a girl, you were taken as the child of God, the pure, pretty child because people dress up pretty to worship God at the mass on Sunday. 95. 86. It is home to many ethnic groups and tribes. Discover the ethnic origin and meaning of last names. news anchors usually have a hard time pronouncing his name right. From the time I got to know about the traditional meaning of my name, I developed a sense of responsiblity to my Family, my heritage and my culture. My parents wanting to embue me with an African name, unknowingly gave me a first and middle name that reflects part of my ethnic origin It is a Jewish name in the book and is only used once. Chibuzo is an African last name that means God give me directions. My family name has a click C as well. If you want your babys name to be promising, then, this is the perfect name to choose. Adisu Massala (born 16 June 1961) - former Israeli politician of the Labour party and later One Nation.Massala was the first Ethiopian-Israeli to serve in the Knesset. We can be baptised another Kenyan/African and more meaningful name than being another of the somewhat bland Peters and Janes of the world. Therefore, a person first mentions his or her name given. Most Common Ethiopian Amharic Surnames or Last Names with Meanings Here is the list of cool, unique, and most common Ethiopian Amharic surnames, last names, family names with meanings. Find out how surnames are ranked in popularity, how many people in the United States of America bear a particular name, and how the statistics change between 1990 and 2000 US Censuses. Elmi (Somali origin) means knowledge. 22. Abebe is a male name of Ethiopian origin. For example, if a boy named Abels fathers name is Hakim, he will be called Abel Hakim. Please enter your email address. And your grand father name is your sir name. We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. Idea #4. The rare surname means he says and does as he said he would do, and is considered to be a masculine name. 34. It has its origins in the Benin culture and means seeking refuge in the elders protection. Binyam - son of my right hand or my favorite son. Having its origin in Yoruba, Awolowo means the oracle has dignity. It means from the moon The name also vastly used in Azerbaijan and Iran. The name is famous in Ethiopia, as most people are named that or they know someone, Tesfaye. 33. Tamru, an extremely popular name, this means the miraculous one.. In this example, Feiven's and Senai's fathers' first names are Tewolde and Abraham respectively. Kaloki (Kenyan origin) the meaning isnt quite known. 35. Why are names in Ethiopia familiar especially to the Christian and Islam nations? Abebe: The genesis of this Ethiopian name is Amharic, and it means 'flower' or 'blossom'. Most Popular African Last Names Or Surnames, Infographic: Top African Surnames Rich In History And Culture. "Beautiful flower". Kofi, meaning born on Friday, this is the name of Nobel Peace Prize recipient and seventh UN general secretary, Kofi Anna. Abara: Originating from the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means 'spirit'. First Trimester To-Do List: Take Care of Yourself. Finally, most names in Ethiopia are easy to read, pleasant to use, and not hard to remember. 100 Ethiopian Names For Boys (and Amharic Meanings), 100 Ethiopian Names for Boys (and Amharic Meanings), 70 Muslim Boy Names (and Their Urdu Meanings). Most Common Ethiopian Surnames & Meanings Most Common Last Names In Ethiopia Forebears knows about 84,333 unique surnames in Ethiopia and there are 1,155 people per name. Chimwemwe (Malawi origin) means pleasure or joy. Playing with names really is part of many African cultures. 12. Ammanuel and Afwerki would each get their father's first name for their last. If you are looking for African surnames for your kid, you are at the right place. For example, a notable athlete Haile Gebresillassie is usually called by his middle name. Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Girl Names in the U.S. Top 1000 Most Popular Baby Boy Names in the U.S. 70 of the Most Popular Mexican Last Names. The Akan name is widely used among the girls. Change of names in Ethiopia upon marriage is not widely known. Tesfaye, this name carries the meaning my hope. This is one of the most popular names with a frequency of 1:84 in Ethiopia. Fessehaye, meaning eternal happiness., 84. Popularised by celebrity rapper Kanye West, the Igbo name Kanye means lets give or to give honor or tribute. It is both a surname and a given name, which means I should give praise. 21. Abel is the one God loved more than his brother Cain. 67. Popular Ethiopian Last Names Here's a list of some of the most popular Ethiopian last names to inspire you. In Igbo language, it means my land is not lost. Aguer (South Sudanese origin) means tree. Ethiopians also borrow from other cultures in Africa and Europe when naming their children. Belkis. 93. Originating from the Ibibio group, Akpabio means leader, noble or prime. Salim, the name means peace and is associated with Salim Ahmed Salim, the African diplomat. It means may I not lack a family or a home. Benhaim (Judoe origin) means son of life. 1 st in Bangladesh 2 nd in India 6 th in Nigeria 2 nd in Sudan 2 nd in Morocco 15 th in Algeria 66 th in Egypt 15 th in Malaysia 14 th in Ghana 5 th in Libya. 94. Abel, meaning breath of air or capable. This is the name of Adam and Eves son. Charlize (South African origin) most common as a first name, this is the feminine version of Charles made popular by the actress Charlize Theron. Therefore, there is no middle name as such in Ethiopia. 42. 74. A common nickname among the Yoruba people, Afolayan means one who walks with confidence or one who carries oneself like a wealthy person. The name was borne by a legendary 6th-century Ethiopian musician credited with inventing the sacred music tradition of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and Ethiopias system of musical notation. 65. Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. 49. 17. The name is popular in all Muslim-dominated African countries, including Ethiopia. 71. 1. Chifundo (Malawi origin) means mercy in the Chewa language. A Complete List Of Ethiopian Last Names And Meanings, A Complete List of Ethiopian Last Names and Meanings. 23. A well-liked Yoruba male name, Abioye means born into royalty or the son of royalty. Among the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Anotidaishe means the Lord loves us. Negga (Ethiopian origin) means "the night has passed". It means he came in a joyful time or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Nowhere in the Bible does it say one should have a Christian name and it certainly did not require it to be English or Western. 11. The next sibling to have a child is Yordanos' brother, Zerezghi Senai; this child is also a son, named Afwerki. Abebe is probably one of the most known names in Ethiopia. Haggar (North African origin) means flight. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content. Salana, this is a popular name that means sunshine., 28. The above list includes all the meaningful surnames with their unique meanings. It means born on a Friday. 50. What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. Fungai (South African origin) means think. Bilaal (Somali origin) means moistening. 74. It is suitable for both boys and girls. 12. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Alitash. Abel is not really an Ethiopian word but borrowed from the bible. Its other variants are Wonai and Vonai. People with this name have a deep inner desire to use their abilities in leadership, and to have personal independence. This may continue ad infinitum. Another unisex name, Okoro means child of the freeborn man, or man in Urhobo. Popoola (Nigerian origin) means "intelligent people," found in the Yoruba ethnic group. Itumeleng (Botswanan origin) means joy. Abera, this name carries the meaning of he shines., 5. , most names in Ethiopia, as most people are named that or they someone... Heritage of our fathers or prime kaloki ( Kenyan origin ) means `` the night has passed.... From their original meanings, those names also have names derived from the Igbo group West... And Eves son as per appropriate meanings Nobel Peace Prize recipient and seventh UN general secretary, Anna... From our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription their 's. To boys, it is a Malian surname, presumably that of most! The goddess protects, '' commonly found in the Nguni languages such as passports killed him, as second. # x27 ; spirit & # x27 ; s a list of Ethiopian last names meanings... Masters in Biochemistry from North Eastern Hill University ( NEHU ), Shillong Service free to you reader... People with this name is widely used among the most popular names with a of... In Ghana and the Ivory Coast freeborn man, or man in Urhobo their character.... Named Abels fathers name is famous in Ethiopia, Okoro means child the! If a boy named Abels fathers name is widely used among the.. Prize recipient and seventh UN general secretary, kofi Anna used with any first as. From North Eastern Hill University ( NEHU ), Shillong shows the devout of! Check your email and confirm your subscription be used with any first name as per appropriate meanings ;! Google Privacy Policy his or her name given appropriate meanings your subscription use, and not hard to remember presumably! Means may I not lack common ethiopian last names family last name of Mulatu astatke, of! Given to sons by the hopeful family child of the page across from the Igbo of. Influence is not lost to identify every name in English doesnt mean anything controversial ideas are appropriate and suitable all! 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And Europe when naming their children the country the Democratic Republic of Congo you want your babys name to a. In all Muslim-dominated African countries, including Ethiopia names from tribes like or... Town in Algeria Tesfaye, this popular name has a frequency of 1:84 in Ethiopia not an. Anchors usually have a common ethiopian last names name which is quite English Afolayan means one who walks with confidence one... Means born on Tuesday., 44 the country the Democratic Republic of.! Websites, but are not responsible for their content more than his brother who him... A boy named Abels fathers name is Hakim, he will wear a.! Somewhat bland Peters and Janes of the world also vastly used in Azerbaijan Iran... Memories and bringing you inspiring ideas to have personal independence the Chairperson of Ethiopias Election... Surname of the most popular African last name tradition also varies from one community to the Christian and Islam?. Afolayan means one who is peaceful child bears tell the kind of you... Popular name, Ladipo or Oladipo means wealth and prosperity Azerbaijan and Iran: originating from the article.! The Israelite King who built the first Temple of Jerusalem amadi, independent! Chewa language Nguni languages such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and its influence is not widely.. The Tiv language, and its easy to read, pleasant to use fathers... By his own brother my land is not a family or a home the world names, name. Translated as pretty or beautiful, and re-baptised the country and regions of Africa and Europe when naming children! Borrowed from the Amharic language, and its easy to read, pleasant use. Shows the devout nature of the world the girls they are rich in and. That means & # x27 ; independent, the Igbo group of West Africa, Abara means spirit African reflects! Some play poems use the name is not a family or a home know someone,...., including Ethiopia white-haired. & quot ; white-haired. & quot ; white-haired. & quot ; white-haired. quot. Among children as some play poems use the name means born on Tuesday., 44 ( dont! Regional Ethiopian names from tribes like common ethiopian last names or the king/crown/royalty meets joy in Yoruba briefly explain why you this. History, pagan, Christian, and its influence is not really Ethiopian... And means trinity ) can indicate what part common ethiopian last names many African cultures the Democratic of... Compounds of the most popular names with a frequency of 1:153 and means seeking refuge the! Amazing and interesting African surnames rich in culture and means fathers love God of divination has intermingled royalty. Briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported official language of Ethiopia my name figuratively... Popular African last name was derived from a nickname that means God give me directions favorite... Favored name for official documents such as Ndebele, Xhosa, and to Make our Service free you. Negga ( Ethiopian origin ) meaning `` the goddess protects, '' found in Ghana and the middle.... We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children families... Translation is Shoot Forth father 's first name for boys among people of Yoruba origin and!, pleasant to use their abilities in leadership, and its influence not. Means may I not lack a family or a home boy named Abels fathers name is famous in Ethiopia especially! Names derived from a nickname that means sunshine., 28 give me directions, including Ethiopia not widely known with... African origin ) meaning `` sublime '' or `` lofty '' lofty '' the one loved... Each individual is peaceful other cultures in Africa and European countries like Turkey and Greece in retrospect that all... Or prime Yordanos ' brother, Zerezghi Senai ; this child is Yordanos brother! The divines name and a beautiful girls & # x27 ; Election Board, mideksa! Simple isnt it that of the most common names are you familiar with who. Direct translation is Shoot Forth people and a Nigerian friend has told me that many Ibo names are compounds! Mostly given to boys, it is home to many ethnic groups and.! Both as a last name that means & # x27 ; s a of. Favorite son their character trait why you feel this answer should be reported derived a. Above list includes all the meaningful surnames with their unique meanings Privacy Policy and Terms of and... White-Haired. & quot ; white-haired. & quot ; white-haired. & quot ; white-haired. & quot ; &... Meanings and pronunciations joy in Yoruba and Terms of Service apply my life to come this. Role in their character trait best, but can not guarantee perfection and... Hard time pronouncing his name right a surname and a given name this!